Section D Homework - Social Groups


This goal of this assignment is to learn about how norms are internalized and enforced. After reading the discussion of norms on page 31, as well as the more detailed discussion of norms on pages 88-91 (Chapter 4), then:

1. Purposefully and publicly violate a folkway (not a more, law, or taboo!; be sure the violation poses absolutely no danger to yourself or anyone else, and that it is legal and won't be overly upsetting to others). Pay attention both to your own reactions, as well as that of other people present.

2. Answer the following questions:

a. Identify the folkway you violated, and describe how you violated it.

At my house I ate from a glass, a large glass. I used it as a cereal bowl. This isn't a common etiquette, and very strange to onlookers.

b. Describe your observations. How did you feel? How did others respond?

I felt different, as I knew it was wrong. It didn't bother me though because at that moment I knew I was purposely violating it. Plus I felt the need to do so. The people I am living with all found it strange, and kept asking why I wouldn't go get a bowl. They all felt uncomfortable around me eating from a glass, but slowly adjusted to the idea.


c. What insights into how norms function did you gain?

I found that they function as a seemingly useful way to keep people in line. You won't expect someone to eat out of a glass, something used to drink from for so long. I think they are a little under rated because there are so many in society we don't realize how much is a norm. If we upset many things that we do everyday, it won't affect a law, or get us truly in trouble with society. We will just look different, and strange.